Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United star, recently shared what he said to Porto’s experienced defender, Pepe, following his impressive performance against Arsenal. Pepe, who turns 41 next week, showcased his age-defying skills as Porto secured a 1-0 victory in the Champions League.
The Real Madrid legend once again displayed his incredible abilities, putting on a defensive masterclass that contributed to shutting out Arsenal. After the final whistle, the Portuguese fans showed their appreciation by applauding their heroes.
Pepe, known for his tough playing style, noticed two iconic center-halves, Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown, fulfilling their punditry duties on the sidelines. Eager to show respect, Pepe rushed over to greet and embrace Ferdinand. Martin Keown also stepped forward to shake hands with the veteran defender, sharing a light-hearted moment and a brief chat.
In an interview with TNT Sports host Laura Woods, Ferdinand disclosed what he said to Pepe in amazement: “He’s turning 41 on Monday, it’s ridiculous to think how he’s able to keep up at this level. I asked him, ‘how are you doing this?’ And he replied, ‘I’m still strong, I’m still confident!'”
Ferdinand also acknowledged the mental aspect of Pepe’s longevity in the sport, emphasizing that a significant part of it relies on the mind.
Pepe’s football career began in the early 2000s when he played for Marítimo in Portugal before joining Porto. He enjoyed a successful three-year stint at Porto, winning the league title twice, before his move to Real Madrid in 2007. After a spell at Besiktas, Pepe returned to Porto in 2019.
Aside from his club achievements, Pepe boasts an impressive international career with 134 caps for Portugal and was instrumental in their victory at Euro 2016. Since his return to Porto, he has made over 125 domestic appearances and added two more league championships to his already illustrious collection.
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